1969 E Mahles, Pistons in cylinders on bench, or pistons on rods first?

[H.G.P.]

A. Haynes shows heating pistons in boiling water, placing them on rods first,...... but I'd rather ........

B...... put the pistons in the cylinders on the workbench first as Wayne states.

Will I run into obstacles with either choice for a 1969 E with Mahle E pistons? (I can't see how I can compress the rings safely if the pistons are on the rods first )


Also: (Is there a page in Wayne's book regarding installation of the "left" circlips?)

Thanks

[Jeff Alton]

I have found it easier to put the pistons in the cylinders first. Works better for me. Lots of folks do it the other way though. Never heard of boiling the pistons.
Jeff

[Bobboloo]

I use the piston in cylinder first technic. It seems less frustrating.

When I go to install the P+C's I just install them in place with the rod lined up with the piston wrist pin hole. Then I heat the crown of the piston with a propane torch and gently tap the pin in.

[ChrisBennet]

I 2nd what Jeff said. I've done it both ways and I prefer the control of putting the pistons in the cylinders on the bench.

I leave the wrist pins (in number bags) in the freezer the night before and I test the wrist pin fit on the bench just in case. If you raise a burr when you remove the wrist pin clips (easy to do) the pin won't want to go in. Better to find out on the bench than when you're trying to fit it to the rod.
-Chris

[H.G.P.]

Originally posted by ChrisBennet
I 2nd what Jeff said. I've done it both ways and I prefer the control of putting the pistons in the cylinders on the bench.

I leave the wrist pins (in number bags) in the freezer the night before and I test the wrist pin fit on the bench just in case. If you raise a burr when you remove the wrist pin clips (easy to do) the pin won't want to go in. Better to find out on the bench than when you're trying to fit it to the rod.
-Chris

Thanks Chris, Bobby and Jeff. I'll try test fit tomorrow.